Abstract: Provided is an information processing apparatus that enables an objective determination of an estimation of work related to printing. A data acquiring unit acquires a job for estimation. A unit estimating unit calculates an estimation of the work for each specific unit of the job acquired by the data acquiring unit. An entire estimating unit estimates and updates the estimation of the work for the entire job in real time based on the estimation of the work for the specific unit at the time calculated by the unit estimating unit. An estimation presenting unit presents the estimation of the work calculated by the entire estimating unit in real time.

Abstract: A sheet storage device includes a body, a tray, a rotating member, an angle sensor, and a controller. The tray is vertically repositionable relative to the body and supports a sheet placed on the tray. The rotating member rotates in conjunction with a vertical movement of the tray. The angle sensor detects a rotation angle of the rotating member. The controller is operatively coupled to the angle sensor and determines a remaining number of sheets placed on the tray based on a detection result of the angle sensor.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a toner cartridge, a replaceable part, an apparatus body memory, and a controller. The replaceable part includes a replaceable part memory storing therein extended-use allowance-and-restriction information. The extended-use allowance-and-restriction information indicates one of allowance information and restriction information. The extended use is defined as use of the replaceable part even after the replaceable part exceeds the remaining life indicated by the life information stored in the apparatus body memory. The apparatus body memory stores life information indicating remaining life of the replaceable part. In a case where the controller determines that the extended-use allowance-and-restriction information indicates the restriction information, the controller is configured to restrict the extended use of the replaceable part.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that is capable of properly grasping a load that is imposed on the image forming apparatus by performing high-chroma printing. The image forming apparatus includes a printer engine that causes a heating rotary body to support and convey a sheet with a toner image formed thereon and performs an image formation on the sheet. The printer engine is controlled to perform the image formation on sheets in a first mode in which a toner image based on a piece of image data is formed with a first amount of toner, or a second mode in which a toner image based on the piece of image data is formed with a second amount of toner larger than the first amount of toner. A count function for counting the number of times of the image formation performed in the second mode, rather than the first mode, is performed.

Abstract: In an image-forming device, a drum cartridge and a developing cartridge are detachably attached to a frame. A controller is configured to perform: a drum replacement necessity determination process; and a mode switch process. The drum replacement necessity determination process determines, based on life information for the drum cartridge, whether replacement of the drum cartridge is necessary. The mode switch process switches a mode of a printing process between a normal printing mode and an extended printing mode. The normal printing mode allows the image-forming device to perform the printing process when the replacement of the drum cartridge is determined to be unnecessary. The extended printing mode allows the image-forming device to perform the printing process on a condition that the developing cartridge attached to the frame is not replaced with another developing cartridge in a state where the replacement of the developing cartridge is necessary.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are disclosed for effectuating payment for consumable content. An example method includes receiving a request for payment associated with a content source device and identifying a first user device associated with a first user accessing consumable content of the content source device. The method further includes transmitting an actionable payment notification to the first user device. In an instance in which the computing device receives responsive authorization from the first user device, the method includes transmitting a first real-time payment to the content source device. In an instance in which the computing device fails to receive responsive authorization from the first user device, the method includes causing access of the consumable content to the first user device to halt.

Abstract: In an analyzing system including an analyzing device 10, 20 and a control computer 40, the analyzing device includes: an information input receiver 30 configured to receive an input of information which is encoded in a predetermined format and specifies a method file; and an information sender 23 configured to send the control computer the information received by the information input receiver. The control computer includes: a storage section 413 in which a plurality of method files each describing an analysis condition are stored; a method file locator 423 configured to locate a method file corresponding to the information sent from the information sender among the plurality of method files; an analysis condition setter 424 configured to set an analysis condition of the analyzing device based on the located method file; and an analysis controller 425 configured to control an operation of the analyzing device based on the analysis condition.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a main casing; a drum cartridge; a toner cartridge; a display; and a controller. The drum cartridge is attachable to and detachable from the main casing. The drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a drum memory. The toner cartridge is attachable to and detachable from the drum cartridge. The toner cartridge includes a toner memory. The controller is configured to: determine whether an error occurs in the drum cartridge through a communication with the drum memory; determine whether an error occurs in the toner cartridge through a communication with the toner memory; and when determining that an error occurs in the drum cartridge and determining that an error occurs in the toner cartridge, display on the display an error relating to the drum cartridge in preference to displaying on the display an error relating to the toner cartridge.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing apparatus that accurately estimates printing jobs. A data acquisition unit acquires a job for estimation. A unit estimation unit calculates an estimation of the work for each specific unit of the job acquired by the data acquisition unit. An estimation analysis unit detects repetition and a period of the repetition from the estimation of the work for the specific unit at the time calculated by the unit estimation unit. The entire estimation unit estimates an estimation of the work of the entire job based on the repetition and the period detected by the estimation analysis unit. The estimation presentation unit presents the estimation of the work calculated by the entire estimation unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion configured to form an image on a sheet; and an operating portion including a display screen which includes at least numeric keys, a start key configured to cause the image forming portion to start image formation, and a stop key configured to stop the image formation by the image forming portion, and including a hardware key provided on a back side of the display screen and configured to start a maintenance mode of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An estimation system provides consumable use estimations, such as for ink or toner, in printing operations. The estimation system uses a classification-based consumable use process to estimate the consumable use. A print job is assigned a classification category according to an arbitrary job category selected for the print job and a job property defined for the print job using job settings. A plurality of classification categories are available. Job costing data for the print job is provided and used to determine consumable use values for each sheet in the print job and a total consumable use. This information is used to verify the correct classification category was assigned and to update historical consumable use information. An estimate is provided using the classification category and the distribution of the consumable use for print jobs in the category.

Abstract: A printing device includes a display and a controller. The controller performs a counting process to increment a cumulative value of a printing count each time printing is performed by the printing device. The controller performs a first display control process to display on the display the cumulative value of the printing count which is incremented in the counting process. The controller performs a display mode modification process to modify a display mode for the cumulative value of the printing count displayed on the display when a printing agreement is established for a subscription. The printing agreement is for charging fees depending on a printing count within a specific interval.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a main body; a drum cartridge and a toner cartridge those attachable to the main body; a main memory; and a controller. The controller is configured to perform: determining a number of sheets printable using the toner cartridge attached to the main body; determining a number of sheets printable using the drum cartridge attached to the main body; determining a number of sheets printable using a new toner cartridge; and when determining that a sum of the number of sheets printable using the toner cartridge attached to the main body and the number of sheets printable using a new toner cartridge is greater than or equal to the number of sheets printable using the drum cartridge attached to the main body, transmitting to a server a signal for ordering a new drum cartridge together with a new toner cartridge.

Abstract: A developer supplying apparatus includes an attaching portion, an antenna, and a positional relationship changing portion. A developer storage portion including a wireless tag is attached to the attaching portion. The antenna is used for performing wireless communication with the wireless tag of the developer storage portion attached to the attaching portion using a radio wave method. The positional relationship changing portion changes a positional relationship between the wireless tag and the antenna.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a consumable to be used for image formation. The image forming apparatus includes: a usage amount detector configured to detect a cumulative value of a usage amount of the consumable and a remaining amount of the consumable; a predictor configured to predict a period that allows use of the consumable based on the remaining amount detected by the usage amount detector; and a determination unit configured to generate a delivery request signal for prompting a delivery request for the consumable when the period that allows the use predicted by the predictor is smaller than a predetermined number-of-day threshold value. The image forming apparatus avoids performing processing for generating a delivery request signal by the determination unit after the start of the use of the image forming apparatus until a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: An example system may include a plurality of print devices, a supply attachment, and a device remote to the plurality of print devices. The plurality of print devices may receive the supply attachment. The device remote to the plurality of print devices may receive signals via the supply attachment that are indicative of print device information data from the plurality of print devices.

Abstract: A system includes a drive gear and a sensor mounted in an image forming device and a replaceable unit removably installable in the image forming device. The replaceable unit includes a gear for receiving rotational force from the drive gear. The system includes an encoded member encoded with identifying information of the replaceable unit and operatively connected to the gear such that rotation of the gear causes movement of the encoded member for communicating the identifying information of the replaceable unit to the sensor. The encoded member is configured to move toward the sensor upon rotation of the gear of the replaceable unit in a first rotational direction for communicating the identifying information of the replaceable unit to the sensor. The encoded member is configured to move away from the sensor upon rotation of the gear of the replaceable unit in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.

Abstract: An information processing device according to aspects of the present disclosures is configured to obtain remaining amount information regarding a remaining amount of the consumable in use from a managed device, and obtain stock amount information regarding a stock amount of an unused consumable from an information source. When the consumable is replenished or replaced, the information processing device determines whether or not the stock amount of the consumable is equal to or less than a threshold value that is defined as a determination criterion based on the remaining amount information and the stock amount information, and displays a consumables management screen displaying a status object indicating a status of the consumable that is determined, in the determining process, that the stock amount is equal to or less than the threshold value.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is configured to receive the message window data from the ordering server apparatus, store the message window data in the nonvolatile storage device, display the message window on the display device, detect a request to minimize the message window input via the input device, and then display a minimized GUI on the display device, and detect a request to maximize the minimized GUI input via the input device when the minimized GUI is displayed on the display device, and then read the message window data from the nonvolatile storage device and display the message window on the display device.

Abstract: A developer container includes: a case that stores developer and in which a developer outlet for discharging the developer is formed; a conveying spiral that is rotatably disposed in the case and rotates to convey the developer toward the developer outlet in an axial direction of the conveying spiral; a guide wall that is disposed along the conveying spiral and guides the developer in the axial direction of the conveying spiral; and a push member that is attached to the conveying spiral and rotates with the conveying spiral to push the developer into the developer outlet. A cutout is formed at a portion of the guide wall corresponding to the push member to form a guide portion that guides the developer to the developer outlet.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an operating part configured to form an image, a detection unit configured to detect a status of the operating part to generate sequential data which is updated sequentially, a determination unit configured to determine whether the sequential data satisfies a predetermined condition or not, a storage unit configured to store the number of times of determination of whether the sequential data satisfies the predetermined condition or not, a preprocessing unit, and an accumulation unit. The preprocessing unit is configured to generate data, having a data size smaller than that of the sequential data, to be used for predicting a state of the operating part. Further, the accumulation unit is configured to accumulate the data based on the sequential data which is determined to satisfy the predetermined condition by the determination unit.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is different from an image forming apparatus, with the image forming apparatus forming an image by using toner supplied from a toner container mounted on the image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes a communication unit to communicate with the image forming apparatus, an acquisition unit to acquire, via the communication unit, a remaining day count until a date which is expected as a date that the toner container mounted on the image forming apparatus is replaced, and acquire, via the communication unit, a stock request signal for stock request of a toner container for stocking different from the toner container mounted on the image forming apparatus, and a display to display stock information relating to the toner container for stocking based on the stock request signal, and display the remaining day count.

Abstract: An example replaceable printer component includes a communication engine. The communication engine indicates to a host an operation to be performed by the host. The replaceable printer component also includes a sensor engine to measure a property affected by the operation. The replaceable printer component includes a verification engine to determine whether the host performed the operation based on the measurement of the property.

Abstract: An information distribution system includes an electronic device; and a server system including at least one information distribution apparatus that communicates with the electronic device via a network. The electronic device includes an information requester configured to transmit, to the server system, a request to distribute information, the request being transmitted together with identification information of the electronic device; and an information displayer configured to display, on a display device, the information transmitted from the server system.

Abstract: A CRUM apparatus includes a power extraction circuit that extracts power from a high value of a clock signal received from an image forming apparatus, and a control circuit activated by the power extracted by the power extraction circuit. The clock signal has high and low values alternately repeated in a first period in a data section and the high and low values alternately repeated in a second period different from the first period in a pause section. When the second period is changed to a fourth period in an idle section in which data transmission is prepared, the control circuit determines transmission and reception of a data signal to and from the image forming apparatus is to be performed at a third period different from the first period for a second data section after the idle section.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a non-volatile memory and a management unit that performs management in a case of using the non-volatile memory as a spool buffer for print data. The management unit includes a first derivation unit that derives a first life time consumption rate of the non-volatile memory based on the cumulative number of printed sheets of print media printed with a printing unit, and a second derivation unit that derives a second life time consumption rate of the non-volatile memory based on the number of times of rewriting operations of the non-volatile memory. The management unit controls a capacity allocated to a spool buffer to be defined in the non-volatile memory based on a result of comparison between the second life time consumption rate and the first life time consumption rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming apparatus and a malfunction diagnosis method of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus stores a diagnosis target of a malfunction in association with a diagnostic item corresponding to the diagnosis target, and in a case where an abnormality is detected, the apparatus specifies the diagnosis target corresponding to the abnormality, executes a malfunction diagnosis process in accordance with the stored diagnostic item in association with the specified diagnosis target, and displays information regarding a malfunction parts determined to be a malfunction by the malfunction diagnosis process. The apparatus executes a malfunction diagnosis processes of a different type depending on whether or not a sheet remaining in the image forming apparatus is detected.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to unlocking consumables of imaging devices. Example imaging devices include a lock to secure a consumable to the imaging device. A feedback engine of the imaging device may selectively generate a signal in response to an actuation event to control a component to indicate the consumable is secured. A lock control engine of the imaging device may determine if the actuation event is approved to unlock the consumable. A release engine of the imaging device may disengage the lock in response to approval of the actuation event.

Abstract: In a case in which an image forming apparatus determines that a replaceable unit is replaced in a first state, in which removal of the replaceable unit is inhibited, the image forming apparatus performs control to switch from the first state to a second state, in which removal of the replaceable unit is allowed.

Abstract: Examples of an output assembly for a print particle replenishment device are described herein, Some examples of the output assembly include a sliding member. For example, the sliding member includes a channel that is offset from a rotating axis of the output assembly and a notch that is offset from the rotating axis and that extends to an outer edge of the sliding member. Some examples of the output assembly include a cover member to maintain a static position with respect to a rotation of the sliding member. In some examples, the cover member includes an alignment structure that is offset from the rotating axis of the output assembly.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a consumable to be used for image formation. The image forming apparatus includes: a usage amount detector configured to detect a cumulative value of a usage amount of the consumable and a remaining amount of the consumable; a predictor configured to predict a period that allows use of the consumable based on the remaining amount detected by the usage amount detector; and a determination unit configured to generate a delivery request signal for prompting a delivery request for the consumable when the period that allows the use predicted by the predictor is smaller than a predetermined number-of-day threshold value. The image forming apparatus avoids performing processing for generating a delivery request signal by the determination unit after the start of the use of the image forming apparatus until a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A chip used for a replaceable unit of an image forming apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store related parameters of the replaceable unit, a plurality of electrical contacts, and an impedance branch. The image forming apparatus is provided with an electrical contact terminal. An electrical contact is capable of electrically connecting to the electrical contact terminal. One end of the impedance branch is connected to at least one of the plurality of electrical contacts for achieving a detection of contact reliability between the at least one of the plurality of electrical contacts connected to the impedance branch and the electrical contact terminal of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An information processing device may notify first notification information in a case where a remaining amount of colorant in a first-type printer reaches a first remaining amount, notify second notification information in a case where the remaining amount reaches an unprintable remaining amount, notify third notification information in a case where a remaining amount of colorant in a second-type printer reaches a second remaining amount, and notify fourth notification information in a case where the remaining amount reaches the unprintable remaining amount. The first-type printer may include a tank for storing colorant supplied from a first cartridge to a first print executing unit. The first remaining amount may be a remaining amount in a state where the colorant does not remain in the first cartridge but remains in the tank. The second-type printer may include a second print executing unit and may not include a tank.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus that is capable of improving estimating accuracy of a usable period of a fixing device. The information processing apparatus enables communication with an image forming apparatus to which one of fixing devices is selectively attachable. A controller obtains information about a type of a fixing device attached, determines a remaining period of a second fixing device based on second data about a consumption amount of the second fixing device in a case where a first fixing device of a first type is replaced with the second fixing device of a second type, and determines a remaining period of a third fixing device based on first data about a consumption amount of the first fixing device and third data about a consumption amount of the third fixing device in a case where the first fixing device is replaced with the third fixing device of the first type.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus configured to connect with an information management server that manages information relating to a service contracted for the image processing apparatus, includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire, from the information management server, the information relating to the service contracted for the image processing apparatus, and a notification unit configured to perform notification to the information management server in order to activate service setting that has been determined as being invalid by the information management server, of a service contracted for the image processing apparatus, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus according to one or more embodiment may include: image formation parts each including a developer image development part, a developer container that accommodates a developer, and a deteriorated developer container that accommodates a deteriorated developer discharged from the developer image development part; a collection part that collects a value based on a history of printing rates of each of the image formation parts; a printing rate calculator that calculates a printing rate of a received print data; and an image formation part selector that selects, based on the value based on the history of printing rates of each of the image formation parts collected by the collection part and the printing rate of the received printed data calculated by the printing rate calculator, one of the image formation parts, to be used for performing printing of the received print data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a container, a storage unit, a drive unit, a detector, and a determination unit. The container is configured to accommodate toner therein and be detachably mounted on an image forming apparatus main body. The storage unit is configured to store identification information on the toner accommodated in the container, and use history information. The drive unit is configured to rotationally drive a rotation target constituted by the container to transport the toner to an opening provided in an end of the container. The detector is configured to detect a current value of the drive unit. The determination unit is configured to determine a state of the container based on the current value detected by the detector.

Abstract: A rotational force is transmitted to a main assembly side feeding member for feeding the toner into a main assembly side toner accommodating portion from a coupling member provided on a cartridge. The cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, a discharge opening configured to discharge the toner removed from the photosensitive drum toward the main assembly side feeding member, and a coupling member configured to transmit the rotational force to the main assembly side feeding member. The coupling member is movable between a first position for transmitting the rotational force to the main assembly side feeding member and a second position retracted from the first position.

Abstract: A consumable-component management apparatus equipped with a plurality of consumable components, includes a display that displays information, and at least one controller configured to acquire a first value in units of days based on usage information regarding a first consumable component, acquire a second value in units of days based on usage information regarding a second consumable component, and cause the display to display a screen on which pieces of identification information regarding the plurality of consumable components are arranged, wherein an instruction object is disposed on the screen, the instruction object enabling a change in arrangement order between the identification information regarding the first consumable component and the identification information regarding the second consumable component based on a magnitude relationship between the first value and the second value.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of automatically rolling back the system to an appropriate state. The image forming apparatus updates system data set therein. History information of the system data is managed, and execution of rollback processing for replacing the system data by system data which was set before the system data is controlled based on the history information of the system data.

Abstract: Techniques for identifying potential solutions for abnormal events based on historical data are described. One example method includes obtaining interaction data between a client device and a server; determining whether an abnormal event exists in the obtained interaction data; in response to determining, obtaining attribute information of a user corresponding to the client device from the obtained interaction data; identifying one or more records in a database, each record including the attribute information, a cause of one or more previous abnormal events, and a weight characterizing a severity of the previous abnormal events; determining a cause of the abnormal event, wherein the determined cause is the same as the cause of the previous abnormal events from the record in the identified one or more records that includes a largest weight; and providing a solution to address the abnormal event based on the determined cause.

Abstract: In one example of the disclosure, it is determined that an amount of print agent remaining in a print agent container of a print apparatus is below a threshold level. An amount of print solution is transferred from a print solution reservoir of the print apparatus, or an amount of print solution solvent is transferred from a solvent reservoir of the print apparatus, into the print agent container. At least some of the remaining print agent is caused to dissolve into the amount of print solution or print solution solvent to forma rinse solution. The rinse solution is transferred from the print agent reservoir to the print solution reservoir.

Abstract: Provided is an image formation device including a photoreceptor configured to carry a toner image and a developer configured to form the toner image on a surface of the photoreceptor and configured such that the developer is a replaceable development unit, the image formation device including: a development bias application section configured to apply a development bias to between the photoreceptor and the developer; a stabilization control section configured to perform image stabilization control of determining a development bias value to be used in future by changing the development bias while measuring a density of the toner image formed by the developer, thereby obtaining the toner image with a target density; and a life determination section configured to determine expiration of use of the development unit when the development bias value determined by the stabilization control falls outside a preset acceptable range.

Abstract: A printing device, including: a cartridge storing developer; a memory provided in the cartridge; and a controller configured to execute a printing process of operating the cartridge form a developer image on a sheet by use of the developer in the cartridge, a first access process of performing access to the memory when the printing process is not being executed, and a second access process of performing access to the memory in a period in which the printing process is being executed, in response to a predetermined operation of the printing device, wherein, when an access failure occurs in the first access process, the controller notifies an error, and wherein, when an access failure occurs in the second access process, the controller continues the printing process and executes the second access process again in response to a next timing of the predetermined operation of the printing device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a voltage adjustment portion having a voltage adjustment member connected to a contact member contacting an endless belt, the voltage adjustment portion changing a current flowing from a current supply member contacting the belt at a position different from a position, at which an image bearing member contacts the belt with respect to a rotating direction of the belt, to the voltage adjustment member via the belt according to a control signal input from a control portion outputting a control signal, thereby changing a size of a transfer potential to transfer a toner image borne by the image bearing member onto the belt at a part at which the belt contacts the image bearing member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a control method of an image forming apparatus having high convenience are provided. The image forming apparatus includes an image transfer system and a processor. The image transfer system is configured to be switchable between a first position, where printing is performed in a first mode, and a second position, where printing is performed in a second mode. The processor, when executing a print job by switching a position of the image transfer system to a position set in advance as a home position at a waiting time for printing, switches the position of the image transfer system to a position corresponding to the print job and sets the home position based on a result of comparison between a print history in a first mode and a print history in a second mode.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus provided with a conductive member to form an image on a sheet using a toner includes: a voltage acquisition portion configured to acquire a biased voltage value as a voltage value by applying a bias to the conductive member; an environment sensor configured to output an environment condition measurement value representing an internal environment condition; and a hardware processor configured to transform the biased voltage value acquired by the voltage acquisition portion into a virtual voltage value appearing in the conductive member as the biased voltage value under a standard environment condition, in which the environment condition has a predetermined standard condition, on the basis of the environment condition measurement value output from the environment sensor, and determine a service life of the conductive member on the basis of the virtual voltage value.

Abstract: An image forming system includes: an image former that performs an image forming process on a paper sheet, the image forming process including foil pressing, and a controller that controls the image former to perform the image forming process by selectively setting one of a first test print mode and a second test print mode when a test print mode is set, an amount of foil consumption at the image former being normal in the first test print mode, an amount of foil consumption at the image former being reduced in the second test print mode.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: photoconductors rotatable and having toner images to be formed on surfaces; a transfer belt on which the toner images formed on the photoconductors are sequentially transferred; and a hardware processor that estimates timing of arrival of end of life of one photoconductor of the photoconductors due to depletion of the surface of the one photoconductor, wherein the hardware processor calculates a depletion amount of the one photoconductor due to a toner, as a first depletion amount, based on a first parameter having a positive correlation with an amount of the toner used for the toner image formed on the surface of another photoconductor that transfers the toner image on the transfer belt before the one photoconductor, and compares the calculated first depletion amount with a predetermined life estimation threshold value to estimate the timing of arrival of end of life of the one photoconductor.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus determines the replacement timing of a component of the image forming apparatus and includes: a rotatable body; a cleaner to remove developer adhered to the rotatable body; and a controller determining that a usable period of the cleaner is longer as a charge amount of the developer is smaller.